Airborne and Special Operations Museum

We have been meaning to go here ever since we moved to NC. And we finally made our way there yesterday with a good friend from the church. Fayetteville is such an interesting town, mostly because of the huge presence of the Army. Sean and I both agree that we have been able to renew our faith in the common "hero" after being around these men and women who serve our country in highly dangerous jobs and locations around the world. While all jobs in the military are commendable, we've been fascinated by the "superheros" of the Special Ops - Paratroopers, Green Berets, Jumpmasters - all do things that the common American never would imagine doing.

This museum is a good view into that world. We rode a simulator that made you feel as if you were riding on a motorcycle through a war infested land, hanging out of a low-flying helicopter through the remnants of bombed buildings, and the pièce de résistance - jumping out of an airplane HALO style - all while your seat was being jerked around in concert to the images being shown, I believe at as much as an 18 degree tilt. SO cool! (Silas didn't participate in this - our friend, who has done this simulator countless times, offered to stroll him around while Sean and I rode it). We also watched a film (funded by Ross Perot, no less) about the Special Ops that went into great detail about all of the jobs and responsibilities they hold. And finally, the museum itself, had SO much information and exhibits that it was almost to much to take in one visit. If ever you are in or around Fayetteville, we highly recommend this nationally attended museum.